Agricultural implement.



A. E. 000K.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION FILED OO'LZS, 1908 Patented Feb. 28, 1915.

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i Q) 9 A VVVWWWWVMWAMAMMA A. E. COOK.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION FILED 0012a, 1908 6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Feb. 23

LIQQJLWG,

571mg i2. U00)?" A. E. COOK.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION FILED oqmzs, 190s.

LJLQQAWQ Patented Feb. 23, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3' A. E. COOK.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT. APPLICATION FILED 061223, 1908.

LWQJWQ, Patented Feb. 23, 1915.

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i WHEJHW E DE DD E5 VEILTR A. E. COOK.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION TILED 001%,1908.

1 1 Q9, 1 W0. Patented Feb. 23, 1915.

G SHEETS-SHEET 5.

A. E. 000K.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION FILED 00'1" 2S, 1908.

Patented Feb. 23, 1915.

B SHEETS-SHEET 6.

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'iilmiilhi f ALBERT E. COOK, 0F O'JEIBGLT, IOWA.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT.

Appfication filed October 23, 1908.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I. ALBERT E. Coon, a citizen of the United States. and a resident of the city of Odebolt. county of Sac, and State of Iowa, have invented certain new iind useful Improvements in Agricultural owing to the fact that if such farms are to,

be economically.conducted and at a profit, it is necessary to simplify the labor to the greatest possible eXtent and to enable an operator with a suitable machine to perform as many oi. the necessary Operations in gathering the crop, stirring the soil, and planting a new crop, as it is possible to com- "bine in going once over the field.

The object of this invention sm-provide a machine for preparing the soil and plantinp; a crop at one operation and 'rrovided with propelling means which simultaneously advances the: machine and operates the planter or drop per and also inay'serve to cut the material in the path of the machine by the use of suitable cutting mechanisms.

It is also an object of the invention to afford an automobile implement of the class described wherein-the supporting wheels or disks serve both to support and propel the machine and also to open the soil to receive the seed.

It is also an object otthe invention-to afiord in combination with an automobile fame, supporting cultivating disks serving the purpose of wheels in the propulsion of the machine and operating as plows in. opening the soil. and to ali'ord in connection therewith seed dropping mechanisms whereby the seed for a new crop maybe dropped at the rear of the disks as the soil is turned. it a very important object of this invention to aii'ord a planting machine provided with mechanism tor clearing: the soil in ad vance thereof. of a previous crop, or of: woods or of refuse. said machine as a whole being supported upon power operated disks Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 23, 19155.

Seria1No.459,139.

which serve to turn or plow the soil and open the same in advance of the seed dropping mechanisms, said machine also being:

provided with means for covering the seed after-the same has been dropped.

Another important object of my invention is to aiiord supporting and driving disks. which, although serving as wheels to support and propel the machine, are specially shaped to open and turn the soii in advance of the seed dropping mechanisms, said disks being so foimecLas to turn a furrow.

The invention embraces many novel features, and consists in the matters hereinal'ter described and more fully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings: Figure l is a top plan view of a machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2- is a side elevation thereof partly in section. Fig. 3 is an enlarged rear elevation of the same, showing the same broken away. Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 of hig. 1. 5 is a section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig". 6 is a section taken on line tie-6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a section taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a detail view of the friction drive for varying the angular relation of the disks with the main frame. Fig. Qis an enlarged detail view of the worm drive for the disks shown, in Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section on line 10-.l0 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a similar frag mentary section illustrating a slightly moditied construction of the conical gear tooth. Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragi'nenti ry viewof a part of, one set of disks showing the same in section longitudinally of the tubular shaft. Fig. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary detail Side elevation illustrating the drive for the cutting" mechanism. Fig. 1 is a section taken on line 14--H of Fig. 1. Fig. 15 is a. section taken on line 1515 of Fig. 1. Fig. 1G is a fragmentary detail of part of 'the mechanism for chartering the speed of the seed-dropping. mechanisms CC". The machine also possesses covering mechanism at the rear of the seeder foricovering the seed after the same are dropped. To clear the soil in advance of the machine for the satisfactory operation of the machine or for the harvesting of the previous crop, as desired, it is provided with a suitable cutting mechanism indicatedas a whole by B. All the mechanisms are operated from a common motor G, by means of suitable transmitting devices and mechanisms, which enable one or more of the mechanisms described to be thrown out of action at the will of the operator.

Referring more specifically to the construction, the frame A, is substantially rectangular in form and conveniently, (though not necessarily), is constructed of flattened metal tubing, and comprises, as shown, end sills or members aa, side sills a a and center sills (I -a all of which are rig vidly secured together in any convenient shown in Fig. 12, to afford a reverse manner to afford extreme rigidity with comparatively light weight, and for this purpose, if desired, the individual frame members may be brazed together, electrically welded, or connected in any other known or suitable manner to afford a rigid construction. Supporting said frame and the mechanisms thereon are gangs of disks BB-B B as shown four in number, though, of course, a greater or a less number of gangs may be employed. Said gangs, as shown,'each comprises a plurality of disks 6, as shown in Fig. 12, which are of comparatively large diameter and the center of which is pressed or forced inwardly, as bend or inclination from' that shown near the edge of the disk, and which serves very much as the mold board of a plow, in each instance to turn the soil over. Said disks of each gang, as shown, are rigidly secured together on a common axis by means of tubular shaft sections I), provided at their ends with peripheral flanges to receive the bolts therethrough whereby said disks are rigidly held on the shaft and, owing to .the construction, bracingly supported from the center outwardly for a distance from the shaft.

As shown, each gang of disks is journaled at the ends in a gang frame B, all of which are constructed in the same manner and each gang frame comprises, horizontal side bars on which the sills of the main frame rest, and end members I), on a lower plane than the side bars and connected thereto by curved portions. Supportcd'by the end members are the boxings 7), for the gang shafts, as shown in'Fig. 2. Each gang of (1 main frame, the front gangs each at the reir of the center of its axis and the rear in advance of their axis, whereby said gang isks is pivotally connected .with the.

frames are adapted to partly rotate beneath the main frame to adjust the respective gangs of disks at a suitable angle for the most efiicient work or in turning.

As shown, a worm gear B, is rigidly secured on the middle shaft section of each gang and is of a diameter materially less than the adjacent disks. Said worm 'gear, as shown, comprises a central disk having seats in its periphery equal distances apart to receive the tapered bases 0, of the roller teeth which project equal distances apart about the periphery of the disk and are provided beyond the periphery with a conical taper and seats to receive rollers 6, arranged around the periphery of said tapered portion. Fitting over said tapered end of the teeth and inclosing the rollers is a conical shell I), through the top of which extends a stud screw Z), which engages in the base portion of the tooth. As shown, the teeth are held firmly in position in the disk by means of pins If, which extend through the disk and into suitable seats on opposite sides of the base of each tooth, thus rigidly engaging the same in place.

The construction shown in Fig. 11 is substantially the same as that just described, with the exception that the rollers I), are seated in the base of the tooth and engaged on a suitable face in the disk B, and the conical shell I), is engaged in place as be.- fore described and may operate with, or independently of the base, as preferred.

Journaled vertically in a cross sill (1, adjacent each gang which connects each of the side sills with the adjacent center sill, is a vertical shaft B, provided on its lower end with aworin I), which ineshesthe teeth of the worm gear 13, and by rotation serves to rotate the disks and propel the machine, and, asshown in Fig. 12, a tight fitting casing 7), incloses the worm'gear and worm to exclude dirt and refuse therefrom. as shown in Fig. 5, and is provided with an upwardly eXtending stem 7), through which extends the shaft B, and the upper end of which is shaped toafford a part of a ball race, the remaining portion of which is formed in the inner end of a hearing cap I), which fits over said stem, as shown in Fig. 5, and is rigidly bolted to the frame member a. Extending forwardly, rearwardly and upwardly from the top of the casing are arms Z)"-Z which are bolted to the gang frame. As shown, the pivot shaft B, for the front gangs are journaled at the rear and centrally of the gang. while the pivot shafts B, for the rear gangs are journaled correspondingly, but on the front side of each gang, as shown, in Figs. 1 and 2. Upon the upper end of each of the shafts B, is rigidly engaged a beveled pinion I)".

Journaled as shown, centrally of the frame and transversely thereof, is the main sill is a bracket or arm 12, and supported on.

the tops thereof and extending for the entire width of the machine is guide bar h.

Slidably supported on the shaft G, between the disks H-H', is a bracket h, which at its upper end slidably engages the guide bar ii. i l-standing longitudinally the machine from each of said brackets or arms h, are looses or hubs lr", Fig. 5}, in which are rotatably engaged the ends of the shafts fil -4 2 wluircby the front and the rear .gangs are driven, and as shown, the outer J ends of said shafts Ji-/i3, are gonrnaled in suitable ball. pivotal or other bearing boxes to permit slight oscillation adjacent the beveled gear and are provided with beveled gears Z1 thereon, which mesh with said beveled Feathered on the inner end of each of said shafts is a driven friction member Ht--H.. As shown, a shifting arm h, rotatably-engages the hub of each of said driven friction disks and extends downwardly beneath the friction transmission just described and thence extend hori- Zontally inward and are provided with rack teeth on. their adjacent sides, as shown in Fig. 5, each of said racks 7t-- 2, at all times meshes with a pinion 7r. Said racks IR A extend between suitable guides h Jt", which hold the same in unvarying parallel relation each with the other.

Mounted upon a frame, anrLas shown,

centrally at the rear end thereof, is the operators scat K, andin advance thereof are inclined shafts Zl-*7c, each for one pair of gangs, and each provided with a hand wheel is, for actuating the same. As shown, the shaf t 7c, extends through the shaft in, which is tubular, thus permitting the hand wheels to be arranged close together and conveniently to the operators seat. respectively are provided with any suitable means as, for instance, beveled p'inions 7 Z': which mesh with bevel pinions k lr for rotating the shafts k 7c, which extend transversely the machine and on the outer end of each is a sprocket wheel 1 ,1 in alincinent with corresponding s 'u'ocket wheels is, ontlie transverse shafts N 0, and are connected by sprocket chains Z4, therewith. sprocket wheel h", on the shaft is, is a sprocket chain 733, which drives di- Said shafts Trained about a suitablerect to a suitable sprocket wheel is on the same shaft with the pinion It, whereby the driven friction disks l*l*--H are shifted outwardly and inwardly. v I i Secured on the shaft A. as shown in Fig.

5, a sprocket wheel 7c beneath which, on 1 the. parallel shaft Zr, is provided a sprocket wheel in. Trained about said sprocket wheels Z: Z; is a suitable sprocket chain is, and also secured on said shaft in, is a sprocket wheel in, in alincment with a suitable sprocket wheel it, connected with the pinion fr, for that transmission (see Figs. 1, 4t and 5), whereby by means of said. hand wheels if, the driven friction disks of either inwardly or outwardly.

Means are also provided for shifting-the respective pair of driven friction disks H*-H bodily into driving engagement simultaneously with either of the oorrs.

spending driving friction disks lll-l-l,.

F or this purpose, shown, a bell crank lever it, is pivotally engaged upon the guide bar h, and engages at one end the or both transmissions may beehiftedeither slide arm it. The other end is engaged: by r a rod h, which leads rearwardly and. is engaged on a suitable lever it, provided within notched segment, as shown in Fig; 2, and whereby the operator by shiftin this leverin onedircction throws both flICflOIl' disks of the set into engagement with the disk H, and by shifting in the opposite direction, throws bcth friction disks into enag'cmcnt with the friction disk H thus enabling the machine to be driven ahead or reversed, as desired.

Mechanism is provided for varying the angular adjustment of each going with reference to the machine as a whole, or to the remaining gangs. For this purpose, a stud shaft L, is journaled in a suitable bearing L", below each side frame member, and rigidly sccnred thereon is a roller 01' friction wheel Z. Pivoted on said shaft is a segment shaped lever L, provided at its lower OX1.

..,treinity with an anti-friction roller Z, in

firin bearing against the friction roller Z, and on the outer-end of the shaft L, is provided a Worm L which meshes with a Worm gealnL- journaled in a depending bracket L integral with the bearing L Also rotatably engaged upon said segment shaped lever L' and bearing against the friction wheel Z, is an idler Z, which is in positive bearing also against a driving friction wheel Z near the upper end of the lever. Said segment shaped lever is so shaped and positioned relatively one of the main driving friction disks H, that when thrown in one direction the lower friction wheel Z, is brought into engagement with the driving friction member, as shownin Fig. 6, thus rotating the fricticfi'whecl Z, and worm, while shifting the lever in the opposite direction,

' and brings the friction wheel 2, into engagement with the driving friction wheel, thus transmitting the drive through the idler Z, to the driven friction Z, for the worm. Said rollers or driven friction members are so arranged on the levers thatthe wheels ZZ can never contact the driving friction member, and as shown, where four gangs of disks are employed, each of said friction disks H, is provided with a construction such as described on each side thereof.

Threaded through the worm gear L is a shaft Z provided at its outer end with an ,eye, to which is shackled a connecting rod Z,

which engages a suitable link or eye on the.

end of the corresponding gang frame, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and (3. Means are providedfor actuating said segment levers to throw either end of either or both of said levers on one side of the machine into engagement at the same time, For this purpose, rods Z extend rearwardly from each of the levers on each side of the machine, and as shown, are connected with suitable arms Z -Z, on shafts Z'Z, of which the former shaft extends through the latter, which is tubular. -Each of said shafts, as shown, is provided on its end adjacent the operators seat with a. lever Z -Z and with any suitable segment or means for holding the lever in adjusted position and whereby with very slight power exerted on the transmission, any gang frame may be swung about on its pivot shaft to vary the angular relation thereof with the frame or with any of the remaining gangs, and it is obvious that the gangs may be shifted in either direction with equal facility dependent upon the adjustment of the segment shaped lever and its friction rollers to the main driving disk H.

On each outer end of the main shaft G, is rigidly secured a driving friction member M, substantially the same size as the, main transmission disks. Also, secured on said shaft is a sleeve m, provided with a lateral apertured boss in which is rotatably engaged a shaft m, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rear end of which is supported in a bracket bearing m rigidly bolted on the side sill. Beyond said shaft is connected a shaft m, by means a'ifording a universal joint m Said shaft wa extends into a tubular shaft m, as shown in Fig. 2, and whereby said shaft section is adapted for variation in length dependent .upon the adjustment of the gangs.

Supported upon each rear gang frame, and as shown, below the main frame, is the automatic seed dropping means or seeders C or C. These are provided one on each side the rear gang frame and may be of any desired type and provided with any interior mechanism for regulating the dropping of the seed of whatsoever kindfland as shown,

the interior mechanism of the dropper or seeder is operated from the shaft m -m, the rear end of which is provided with a universal joint m, and with a bevel gear 772/, which meshes with a. beveled gear m, whereby the mechanism of the seeder is operated. The seeders are thrown into operation by engagement of the driving disk M, and driven transmission friction m feathered on the shaft m. For ,the purpose of adjusting said driven member into and out of engagement with the driving friction, the edge of the driving friction is slightly beveled to afford free entrance of the driven friction thereon, and a rod m, is yoked at its end to engage the hub of said friction, and extends rearwardly and is connected with a lever m secured on a shaft m, and provided with a suitable segment whereby the parts may be held in adjusted relation independent of any movement of shifting of the gang frame and whereby the dropping action may be made to continue without interruption during the operation of the machine; Of course, where two seeders are shown, as in the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the friction transmission to the seeders is substantially identical on both sides of the machine.

For the purpose of cutting refuse from .in front of the machine, a reaping or mowing device E, may be employed, or, if grain is to be cut from a field, to be again plowed and seeded, a self-binder may be attached on the front of the machine. For this purpose, as shown, the front end sill a, extends laterally beyond the side sills a -a, and is provided at each end with forwardly directcd arms or frame members a (l and extending therethrough are threaded shafts 6, each provided with a hand wheel a, and at their lower ends having threaded engagement.in a nut 6 pivotally engaged upon the frame of the cutting table a. of the cutting mechanism, in this instance shown as a selfbinder.

Journaled on the end of the frame transversely thereof is a shaft 6 provided at its inner end with a bevel pinion c, and at its outer end with a sprocket wheel 0, which projects beyond the side of the frame m mber a". Extending downwardly from said shaft c, is a. radius rod 6, which at its lower end engages a shaft e said shaft drives the mechanism of the binder both for cutting and binding. Secured on the shaft e, is a sprocket 'wheel 6, about which and the sprocket wheel e, is trained a sprocket chain 6 whereby the drive is transmitted to the cutting mechanism. As shown, the end of the shaft G. beyond the driving friction disk M, is provided with a sleeve m, having oppositely disposed seats in each side thereof, one to receive the end of the shaft m, as before described for operating the seeder.

ting mechanism.

he cutting mechanism is in or out of operation dependent if the driven friction disk e ,-is oris not in engagement with the driving friction memberM. For this purpose, said driven friction member is splined or feathered on'the shaft 6, and its hub is engaged by a yoke secured on a rod 9",.

the rear end of which is connected witha lever 6 engaged on a shaft a, concentric gage/don the with the shaft 9 connected with the friction for the seeder on that side of the ma chinc,and the shaft 6 is provided at its opposite end with a hand lever 6 and segment, such as before described whereby the .driven friction disk may be shifted into or out of engagement with the driving friction disk to throw the cutting means into or out of-operation, as preferred, and the lever e, is connected to operate the shaft 6 and is pro ided with a segment.

, Means are provided for tilting the cutter bar of the reaper or cutting mechanism doi-vnwardlv to cut closer to the ground or to elevate the same, preferred. For this purpose, a braclrct N, extends upwardly from the frame of the cutting mechanism and connected therewith is a rod a, which leads rearwardly to a lever '12, secured on.

the shaft n concentric with the shafts e, and 6 which is also provided with a suitabie hand lever n, and segment adjacent the operator's seat and whereby the adpisting rod mav be actuated As shown, to relieve the stress on the mechanism in part. .a strong coiled spring a", is inserted in said rod and by imparting resiliency thereto prevents l'r'eakage because of the striking of the machine against obstructions.

The seeder or planting mechanism is provided beneath each of the seed boxes and at the rear of the disks upon which the same are carried, with boots or spoutsil, provided at the lower end with an enlarged extension 0, adapted to be adjusted upwardly or downwardly dependent upon the depth at which it is desired to plant theseed For the purpose adiustment arod 0,1s pivotally enboot, and is connected with the arm 0 secured on a shaft 0, extending transversely the machine asshown in Fig: 5, and as shown, a lever 0 is provided on' the machine adjacent the operator whereby said boots or pipes may he lengthened or shortened de pendent upon the depth required to deposit the seed.

lower or extension end of each.

soil and to cover the dropped seed.

The operation is. as follows: ihould the ground he covered with a crop that it is desired to gather, as, for instance. wheat or other cereal, or grass, or even with weeds or other refuse, the cutting mechanism is employed and is supported upon a frame as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 13, to permit the same to be adjusted to the desired height at which'the material is to be out. and for this purpose, of course, the connection of ter frame with the frame of the machine admits of tilting the cutters downwardly, should it be so desired.

The propelling" and supporting means for the main frame, namely, the gangs, are in the present construction. shown as four in number, although a machine with a single gangs of disks front and rear operates adinirahly. Fiaid gangs may, by means of the shiftinrr mechanism before described, be ar ranged in any desired angular relation with each other or with the main frame. This is particularly important inasmuch as the angularrelat on of the axes of the s ance to the main frame or the line of travel determines the cut-of the disks, said disks having very slight cutting effect when arranued with the axes at right angles with the line of travel, as shown in Fig. 1, and the cutt ng efiect increases as well as the ability of the disks to turn a furrow when said disks are arranged with the axes obliquely directed with reference to the line of travel. Any suitablev means may be provided, of course, for accomplishing this adiustm ent. Owing, however, to the stress exerted upon the disks in plowing on preparing the soil, a shifting mechanism of considerable power is required and for this purpose the worm L and worm'near L, are employed and these are actuaited in either direction by shiftin the segmh'nt' shaped levers L, said worms being driven in one direction when the friction wheels-Z engage with the driving friction members H, transmitting the drive through the idlers Z to the friction wheels Z, and in the opposite direction when the frictipn whepls l, engage the driving friction members H, as shown in Fig. 6, and of course, any convenient arrangement of levcrs fcr' the purpose of actuating said segment the cuta shaped levers into or out of engagement with the friction disks may be employed. In either adjustment the worm gear is rotated thereby. If rotated in one direction, threading the shaft Z through the worm gear L it swings the outer end of the gang frame forwardly or rearwardly dependent upon thedirecti'on or rotation, and said gang frames, as shown, are arranged oppositely from each other or slightly staggered on opposite sides of the frame to permit the necessary adjustment with reference to each other without the one contacting the other. This adjustment is,of course, facilitated for the reason that each gang frame is engaged with the main frame by means of the shaft B, as shown in Fig. 5, to permit said gang frames to swing freely in adjusting, and, as shown, the simple and exceedingly effective roller worm gear secured between thecentral pair of disks and positively engaging or meshing-with the worm on the lower end of the shaft, enables the gangs to be turned with a minimum of frictional resistance aside from that encountered from the soil.

By utilizing the shaft B", as the pivot shaft for the gang frames, it is not'necessary to provide a coupling of any kind in the driving shaft 72.". It is only necessary to provide means for varying the rate of drive by shifting the driven friction disks H -H toward the center for slow speed and toward the periphery of the driving frictions for a higher speed. This is accomplished'by the racks before described and positively actuated by means of the hand wheels k whereby the driven friction wheels for each transmission are adjusted independently of the driven friction wheels for the other transmissions.

In adjusting or swinging the driving shafts to bring the driven frictions H into engagement with either the drivin friction H, or driving friction H, the bel crank lever serves to slide saidwheels over bodily to bring the same into very positive enga gement with the proper driving friction wheel and this is controlled also from the operators seat. The power transmitted from the engine'to the disks by said transmissions serves to propel the machine, said I disks serving as wheels for the machine and opening the soil as well, for the seed to be deposited. In new ground, or ground where more or less of refuse may be upon the sur-.

face, or when the surface is covered with athick sod, it is desirable that the disks of the front-gangs be scalloped or'notch'ed on the peripheries to afford a drawing out as they rotate into or onto the materials to be severed.

The seed dropping mechanisms may, of course, be of any desired kind and maybe for any kind or sort of seed. Preferably,

macaw) one of such seed dropping mechanisms is carried upon each rear gang frame and the mechanism thereof actuated by the shaft mmm, which is driven from the supple-mental driving transmission disk M, be-

; fore described. When the friction wheels m are in engagement with said driving disk, the shaft is rotated, in turn driving the gears or other elements whereby the dropping mechanism is operated. Should it at anytime be desired to stop the action of the dropping or seeding mechanism, this may be accomplished by means of the lever m", whereby said driven friction wheels m may be retracted from the driving friction I Extending downwardly between the disks of each gang are the dropping boots indicated by 0, into which extends the pipe 0, to deliver the seed therethrough into the furrowopened by the disks. j As shown, said pipes or boots -are;made in two sections, the lower, or larger being adapted to telescope over the upper or smaller, which extends thereinto, said lower section being connected by means pf a rod 0, withthebell crank 0*, operated in any suitable manner to lift said lower section of the boot or dropping pipe and to support the ame in the desired position to enable the d pth in the soil to be-gaged.

At the rear of the dropping mechanism is the covering mechanism consisting of mom or less resilient fingers. which serve to pulv'erize the soil as well as distribute the same evenly over the seed just dropped in advance thereof.

All the mechanisms described are operated from a single source of power, sup- 'ported upon the main frame,'a gas engine of suitable size bein employed for this pur mechanism or fingers. which not only assist in pulverizing the soil, but assist in placing the soil evenly over the planted area.

It is obvious from the, cmlstruction de scribed that by a single auton'iobile planting machine driven by a motor supported thereon, the refuse or other material may be cut in the path of themachine, a wide strip of the surface of the soil being also turned over or plowed and opened by the action of the disks and that before the furrow is closed maniac or by the rear covering mechanism the seed 1S automatically deposited therein, after which the further progress of the machine serves to thoroughly cover the seed and to and plant a rcry large acreage in themost uniform and the most acceptable manner in the briofest possible space of time. it is to be observed that the gangs of disks serve as the supporting wheels of an automobile,

and serve not only to move the machine for- \ard in plowing. but also serve the purpose of plows to effectively and perfectly turn the soil,. this operation being Facilitated by centrifugal force and the peculiar compound curve on the inner faces of the disks them- SQlYQS,"\\'lilCl1 tends to throw the soil over as it rises in the disk.

ln turning: the machine, the singularity of one set of gangs relative to the remaining pair assists materially. This may also be assisted by the increasing; of the rate of drive for the gangs on the outer side of the circle'or are formed in turning, or, lesired thc gangs on one side of the machine maybe slightly reversed and the gangs on the other side driven ahead with the result o'l turning quite short about. 7

- .Ofrourse, I am ,Well aware that many of the details of construction and the particular connections and actuating means for the various devices and inechanisms embraced in my invention may be modified through a very wide rangefor instance, instead of friction transmission devices'geared or any other suitable transmission devices may be employed without departin from the principles of my invention, and obviously it is quite immaterial how many gangs of disks be employed in opening the soil so long as the machine is partly supported upon. and wholly or partly propellcd'by theidislrs.

Of course. also. "while I have shown a self-binding harvester on the front end of the machine, any suitable cutting mecha- .nism may he employed-instead to cut the material that would otherwise canse' annoyance ai'iddelay or a standing crop-or hay as the machine encounters the same.

Of course, too, it is evidentthatalthough disks of a particular shape are shown, other forms of. disks may be employed and opcrate very satisfactorily.

I claim as my invention:

i. In a machine ofthe class described a frame. a motor thereon. gangs of traction and 'ilowing'd sks arranged in pairs and supporting? said frame and motor. each gang independently adiustahle on a vertical axis beneath-the frame and embracing a plurality oiconcavedislrs having the center thereof dished. reversely. shaft sections con- I t on bet-ween th? necting all of said disks in each gang together, and operative connections with the motor for driving each pair of gangs independently and also simultaneously.

2. In. a machine of the class described a frame, a motor thereon, front and rear gangs of traction and plowing disks adjustably supporting said frame and adjustable independently thercbeueath, each of said gangs comprising a plurality of concave disks faced in the same direction and having the center thereof sprung to nearly the plane of the periphery, and tubular shaft sections rigidly connecting the disks at the axis and serving as the shaft therefor and independent driving; connections between the motor and the i'ront and rear gangs of disks. i

3. In a machine or the class described a frame. a motor thereon, a pluralitv of gangs of viewing disks supporting; the frame. and independently adiustabie beneath the same, each gang comprising. a frame, a plurality of concave plowing: d sks journaled thereim tubular shaft sections connecting" the d sks and holding thesame e iual d stances apart. an anti-fric ion gear wheel rigidly secured on the middle section of sa d shaft. a vertical pivot shaft on which the Frame of the game turns. a norm on said pivot shaft meshing with said gear on the mine shaft. a casino inclos ne' both worm and gear. and means driven from the motor tor rotating said pi ot shaft and thercbv the gang to propel the machine and operate the nioirs.

4. A machine of the class described embracing a frame. motor thereon. a plurality of gangs oi plowing d sks pia'oted to the f me at one s de the ax s of rotation at the d s rs and d iren bv the motor. and

ada ted to propel the mach ne wheels, and power onerated means for adiust ugthe same relatively to the frame to vary the cut.

5. A machine of the class described. cinh a c ne a frame. a motor. a pl in alitv oi gangs of plowing! d sks. an independent 'i ame tor each, a worm gear. r 'div secured. on the yang shaft centrally. a shaft iournaled in the ma n frame. a worm n said haft mash- :l afford ng a pivot connecliving and trams. onerat e connectionstorrotat usr sa d shat't. F m t e motor. and power ope ated means ior adjusting said canes individually With refernce to the ma n frame.

6. In a machineof the class descrihed a inc said worm a1 frame. a motor thereon. front and rear plow in genes each emoracini; a Frame. a 13hr. ralitv of plowing: chai s iournaled thereinpa;

vertical sha'tt journaled in the frame and in the dish frame, operative connections rotat ing the same from the motor, a Worm on the its lower end of said shaft. a worm gear on the' p,

gang shaft meshing with said worm, and

mechanism operated by the motor for swinging said gang or gangs each on the vertical shaft on which the same is pivoted.

7. In a machine ofthe class described a main frame, a motor thereon, front and rear gang frames supporting the same, a vertical shaft for each gang frame journaledin the main frame and in said gang frame and affording a pivotal connection therebetween, a. worm on the lower end of said pivot shaft, a disk shaft journaled horizontallyinthe gang frame, plowing disks thereon a Wormgear secured at the center of the shaft and meshing with a worm on the pivot shaft, a casing surrounding both worm and worm gear, a friction wheel driven by the motor and a thrust rod engaged on the gang frame and driven thereby, acting to adjust the gang relatively the main frame.

v 8. In a machine of the class described a main frame, a motor thereon, a shaft driven thereby. friction disks secured on the shaft, a plurality of gangs of disks pivoted below the frame to support the same, an operative connection for rotating said disks in either direction. a friction disk driven by one of the friction disks on the main shaft. a worm gear driven thereby. said gear having a. central threaded aperture therethrough, a thrust rod pivotally engaged at the end of each. gang and having threaded engagement-in said gear at its opposite end, levers for the respective friction disks for the respective gangs, whereby any and all of said gangs may be adjusted relatively the main frame.

9. In a machine of the class described the main frame, a motor thereon. a transverse shaft driven thereby. a plurality of friction wheels secured on the shaft. front and rear plowing gangs supporting the main frame and motor. vertical pivot shafts affording the connection therebetween and the means for transmitting thepower of the motor thereto to rotate the disks, a friction disk for each gang adapted for engagement with the driving friction'on said main shaft. a worm and gear driven by each. a threaded thrust rod pivotally engaged on the end 'of each gang having threaded engagement through the appropriate worm gear for that gang, and levers adapted to be positively actuated to force said friction disk on each engagement withthe friction wheel.

10. In a machine of the class described a frame, gangs of plowing disks journaled to and supporting the frame, a motor on the frame, a drive shaft, sets of facing friction disks on the drive shaft. a. plurality of pairs of. driven shafts, one shaft of each pair connected to drive one of the gangs of plowing disks, each pair of shafts having their inner ends projecting between one of the sets of facing friction disks, friction disks on the ends of the driving shafts between the facing friction disks and means for ad usting the inner ends of each set of drive shafts to adjust the friction disks thereon to contact opposite friction disks on the drive shaft.

11. In a machine-of the class described a frame, gangs of plowing disks journaled to, and supporting the frame, a motor on the frame, a drive shaft, sets of facing friction disks on the drive shaft, a plurality of pairs of driven shafts, one shaft of each pair connccted to drive one of the gangs of plowing disks, each pair of shafts having their inner end projecting between one of the sets of facing friction disks, friction disks on the ends of the driving shafts between the facing friction disks, means for adjusting the inner ends of each set of drive shafts to adjust the friction disks thereon to contactopposite friction disks on the drive shaft, a reciprocating shaft connected with each gang of plowing disks adapted by reciprocation thereof to adjust the position of the respective gangs of disks. and mechanism operated bv part of the friction disks on the drive shaft for reciprocating said shafts.

12. In a machine of the class described a main frame. a motor thereon, a shaft driven thereby, friction wheels thereon, front and rear gangs of plowing disks supporting and propelling the machine. means operated from one or more of the frictional wheels of the shaft for rotating the plowing disks. and mechanism operated also bv the friction wheels on said shaft for shifting the gangs relatively to the main frame.

13. In an agricultural machine a frame, an engine thereon. inwardlv facing driving fr ction members driven by the engine. sets of disk plows iournaled to the frame. driven friction members between the d iving friction members, one for operating each set of disk plows. operative connections between each driven fricti n member and the respective set ofdisk plows. mechanisms for independently turning the angs of disks and friction members for actuating said mechanisms.

i 14. An agricultural machine comprising a frame, 'a motor thereon, a drive shaft. a plurality of Sets of inwardly facing driving fr ction 'memhers thereon, driven shafts. a driveh .friction member on each engaged between' the appropriate pair of driving friction members. a plurality of sets of disk plows. vertical shafts, one driven by each of sa d driven shafts and each vertical shaft affo ding the pivot for one of the sets of disk plows, means rotating each set of disks from the vertical shaft, a shaft pivotally connected with the end of each set of disks and mechanism for adjusting the shaft longitudinally of the. frame to adjust the sets of disks. 15. In a power operated agricultural machine a frame, a motor thereon. vertical shafts journaled to the frame, sets of plows,

one set journaled on eabh vertical shaft means for independently turning the sets of plows on the shafts, driving friction mem bers actuated by the motor, driven shafts, each adapted to actuate one of the vertical shafts, a driven friction member adjustable on each driven shaft adapted to contact one of the driving friction members, pivotally mountedsets. of friction members, one set for each set of plows adapted. to be driven from the driving friction members, shafts adapted to be actuated by the sets of friction members and shafts operated from said shafts andconnected to adjust the position .of the sets of plows.

16. In a machine of the class described a frame, a motor on the frame, sets of plows and each set rotatable as a whole, shafts, one

affording the pivot'for each set of plows, a worm on'each shaft, a worm Wheel for actuating each set of plows having anti-friction teeth, coacting driving and driven friction members operatively connected to actuate the shafts, means for adjusting the driven friction members to vary the rate of drive,

sets of friction members adapted to contact the periphery of the appropriate driving friction members and mechanism actuated by said sets of friction members for rotating the sets of plows on the pivot shafts.

, 17. In an agricultural machine a frame,

a motor thereon, a drive shaft driven by said motor, pairs of friction members on said drive shaft, sets of disk plows pivotally secured to the frame, pairs of alined driven shafts foractuating the sets of disk plows, one driving each set of disk plows having a pivotal bearing at one end, pairs of driven friction members secured on each pair of alined driven shafts, means for adjusting each pair of driven friction members oppositely each to engage one of the appropriate opositely disposed driving friction members.

18. In an agricultural machine a frame, a motor thereon, a drive shaft driven by sald motor, pairs of friction members on said drive shaft, sets of disli plows pivotally Secured to the frame, pairs of alined driven shafts for actuating the sets of disk plows, one driving each set of disk plows having a pivotal bearing at one end, pairs of driven friction members secured on each pair of alined driven shafts, means for adjusting each pair of driven friction members, oppositely each to enga e one-of the appropriate oppositely dispose driving friction-memhers, reversible friction mechanisms adapted to contact the periphery of the appropriate driving friction members and mechanism actuated thereby for. turning the pivotally supported sets of plow disks.

19. In an agricultural machine a frame,

a motor thereon, a drive shaft driven by said motor, pairs of friction members on said drive shaft, sets of disk plows pivotally secured to the frame, pairs of alined driven shafts for actuating the sets of disk plows,

one driving each set of disk plows and having a pivotal bearingat one end, pairs of driven friction members secured on each pair of alineddriven shafts, means for ad justing each pair of driven friction meinhers oppositely, each to engage one of the appropriate oppositely disposed driving friction'members, reversible friction mechanisms adapted to contact the periphery of the appropriate driving friction members, 

